7/27/08

I wonder how many times you hear that greeting?How many folks begin the day, the week,by trying to get your ear, your attention, your help?

I don't understandbut I believethat you hear every single one of usas clearly as an infant hearsa mother's heartwhen pressed against her breast...

Hear me, my God, this morningand let me hear the beat of your heartand in my steps through this dayand this new week ahead of me.

Wait! Did I say ahead of me?I meant the new week ahead of us -you and me -because I want you with me, Lord,every step of the way on every day,leading me, guiding me,walking by my side,your hand on my shoulder,your strength before and behind me,a shield protecting mein my worries and my fears...

I've asked you, begged you, Lord,for so many things and,as you know,I'm still waiting on some of those things...

still waiting...

but whether I ask you or not,one gift you never keep from meis your presence:night and day, asleep or awake,you are with me...

It's so easy to forget you are there, Lord,so easy to forget that in every personwho crosses my path this day,you cross my path...in every one who needs my help today,you need my help...in all who wait this week for meto be honest, fair and just,you wait for the same from me...in all who hope I will beunderstanding, patient and gentle,your heart expects no less of me...

You are there, with me,in good times and in bad,in sickness and in health,in joy and in sorrowwhether I welcome or wince at your presence,you are by my side...

Make and keep me ever mindfulthat you are at my side,that not a breath or step of mineescapes your notice,that you guard me as the apple of your eye...

Good and gracious God,shepherd my steps and my daysinto a week where you waitat every turn to show me the way...

Amen.

(At the top of the sidebar, you'll find a beautiful recording of Psalm 23 with John Rutter conducting the Cambridge Singers. This beloved psalm sings of the shepherd who is ever present to his flock, always guarding and guiding their way...)

5 comments:

I used to have a hard time believing the Lord was with me all the time. Walking the steps with me. Following my path each day. There was too much turmoil in my day to day life. How could he allow that? But I came to recognize, with the help of several friends that He is with me. Always. And no matter what comes my way, how difficult that may be, God is walking that path with me. I feel like this prayer was written just for me. Thank you for your beautiful words.A great way to start everyday.

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic?

The best place to start is always one of your local Catholic churches. Drop in some Sunday and see what's going on. Then you might speak to the pastor or someone on the parish staff about how they can help you and respond to your questions.